Posts Tagged ‘John Cummings’

Thomas Erdelyi, later to be more widely known by his stage name, Tommy Ramone, was the founding drummer for the highly influential rock band, the Ramones. Until he passed away, Erdelyi had been the last surviving member of the original foursome. Formed with former high school classmates, Douglas Colvin (Dee Dee Ramone), John Cummings (Johnny Ramone), and Jeffrey Hyman (Joey Ramone) in 1974, the Ramones were considered by many to be the first real punk band. When discussing his Underground Garage channel on Sirius Satellite, Little Steven Van Zandt described its programming as “groups that inspired the Ramones, groups inspired by the Ramones, and the Ramones.” Originally slated to be the band’s manager with Hyman on drums, Erdelyi was quickly moved behind the kit when Hyman realized he couldn’t keep up with the tempo of the songs they were writing. He pretty much became drummer by default since no one else wanted to. Erdelyi remained in the band until 1978. He played on and co-produced the band’s first three studio albums as well as their 1979 live album, It’s Alive. Erdelyi was also an accomplished producer as well, most notably of the Replacements‘ Tim album. He returned to the Ramones camp to produce their 1984 album, Too Tough To Die. Tommy Ramone was 62 when he died in hospice care following treatment for bile duct cancer.

Johnny Ramone was the founding guitarist for legendary punk band, the Ramones. He and Joey Ramone were the only two members to stay in the group during its entire 22-year run. It was Johnny’s aggressive guitar playing that helped turn the Ramones into one of rock music’s most influential bands. His prowess has been noted in both Rolling Stone and Time magazine who included him in their list of the 10 greatest electric guitarists of all time. Ramones albums like Road To Ruin, Rocket To Russia, and End of the Century are required listening for any true rock music fan. Johnny Ramone died of prostate cancer on September 15, 2004. He was 55.